 Tonia Antoniazzi MP attended an RSPCA cost of living advice event at the House of Commons on Wednesday 8th March, to better understand how to support struggling constituents and their pets.
The RSPCA is working hard to keep pets in loving homes as the cost of living crisis continues to bite. But as the number of abandonments soar, the animal welfare charity has asked MPs to reach out and support local pet owners. Tonia Antoniazzi MP said: “I’m proud to support the RSPCA and I will be doing my bit to ensure that the right help, support and information is available to all of my constituents in Gower. The cost of living crisis is taking its toll on us all and we must all help each other through this difficult time. “It was wonderful to hear about the cost of living assistance the RSPCA is offering - including financial support for many organisations, a dedicated cost of living hub and a new helpline - and I will be sure to relay this to my constituents. “It was devastating to find out that almost 80 percent of RSPCA rescue officers have reported seeing animals suffering as a result of the cost of living crisis. I would urge anyone who is struggling with pet care and the cost of living crisis to use the resources the RSPCA has on offer to get the support they need. Keeping pets in loving homes is a definite priority and I am keen to help signpost to places of support.” Harriet Main, public affairs manager at the RSPCA, added: “We’re really pleased that Tonia attended our drop-in event to find out how she can support her constituents with pet care during the cost of living crisis. Now is a time where compassion and support are needed the most, so it was wonderful to see so many influential and eager to help faces at our event. “The cost of living crisis is the singlest biggest challenge for animal welfare right now and we are sadly seeing an increasing number of abandoned pets. Money worries mean even the most loving owners are concerned about caring for their pets, and in the worst cases are having to make the heartbreaking decision between putting food on the table and keeping their beloved pet. “Recently, we have seen a shocking 25 percent rise in the number of abandonment incidents being dealt with by our rescue teams, and a 13 percent rise in neglect incidents. In addition to this, rehoming is slowing down as people begin to cut back on spending. The number of animals leaving our centres for new homes has fallen by 8 percent. “We are determined to do everything we can to help, but our centres are already full. There are approximately 700 pets waiting to come into our centres right now, and we’re paying huge amounts on private boarding facilities due to these capacity challenges and slower rehoming rates. “However, there is hope and the RSPCA is working tirelessly to provide support and keep pets in loving homes. We’ve committed £1.5million of extra funding to crisis measures; launched a new cost of living hub and a dedicated telephone helpline, while our pet food partnerships right across England and Wales continue to go from strength to strength.” Pet owners can find a range of practical help and advice on the RSPCA’s cost of living hub. The charity has also launched a dedicated phone line for those looking for support (0300 123 0650). To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give. What help can the RSPCA offer? Pet Health Care Costs
Pet Food Bank Partnership ● The RSPCA is collaborating with a range of charities across England & Wales. Use the RSPCA Foodbank map to find a local pet foodbank: https://www.rspca.org.uk/costofliving/foodbank National & Regional
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Cost of Living Advice Hub
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